We loved this post so much from The Well Daily when it first appeared, so we wanted to share it again today. We encourage you to read more about creative expression on our website.

Hi friends,

Whether you consider yourself an artistic person or not, it’s incredibly freeing and often rewarding to explore your own imaginative side. I know my own yoga practice has encouraged me to think more creatively. Try it out for yourself—you just might astound yourself.

xoxo,

Sukey

Could your daily yoga flow inspire creativity to flow freely in other areas of your life as well? If you’ve got mental clutter to clear (and most of us do), then it definitely could.

You may not think you’re gifted with a pen, paintbrush or musical instrument, but that doesn’t mean you lack the spark of creativity. A common struggle in the creative process is simply getting out of your own way. As you dive into yoga, you’ll start to break free from judgment, self-doubt and criticism. Letting go of these obstacles on the mat is the first step to exploring your creative impulses elsewhere.

A regular practice of yoga and meditation invites balance and flexibility into the body, and physical flexibility leads to openness of the mind. This overall expansion creates space for new ideas and possibilities to surface. And when you find your creative flow, the mindfulness and discipline you’ve gained from your yoga practice will help you focus.

Start with these steps to embrace your creative side:

1. Choose an activity you’ve never fully explored. Maybe you want to learn to cook or finally make use of that guitar you’ve had for years.
2. Make an action plan. Join a choir, sign up for a jewelry making workshop or start a blog to polish those writing skills.
3. Schedule it in. Half the battle when tapping into your creativity is finding the time. Just as you make space in your life for yoga, reserve a half hour a few days a week to let your creative self play.
4. Keep it flowing with yoga. Return to the mat each day to still your left brain tendencies, even if it’s only for a few minutes. Finish with meditation and watch your out-of-the-box ideas flourish.

The Well Wisdom: The time is now to express yourself. If you can’t wait to sign up for that painting or woodworking class, just gather a few supplies to get started and let yourself go wild. Then head to your local yoga studio for a fun class to let your creative energy root deep into your being.